Throwing Performance is Associated with Muscular Power

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to test the hypothesis that performance in throwing events is associated with muscular characteristics of both upper and lower limbs. Thirty-eight male throwers volunteered to participate. Bench press and half squat tests were conducted on a guided barbell. The barbell displacement signal was recorded using a kinematic system. Maximal power, corresponding optimal velocity and force (P_maxS, V_optS, F_optS and P_maxBP, V_optBP, F_optBP for half squat and bench press, respectively) were extrapolated from the power-velocity relationship. Lower limb stiffness (K) was determined during maximal hopping. The results demonstrated that P_maxS and P_maxBP were correlated with each thrower's season's best performance (SBP, r=0.54, p<0.01 and r=0.71, p<0.001, respectively). P_maxS expressed relative to body mass was not correlated with SBP. K was significantly correlated with SBP (r=0.66, p<0.001). The relationship between P_maxBP expressed relative to body mass and SBP remained significant (r=0.54, p<0.001). The results of the study suggest that high strength and stiffness values for lower limbs and strength and velocity characteristics for upper limbs may be associated with athletic throwing performance.

Key words

force-velocity relationship - bench press - half squat - guided barbell - stiffness

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Correspondence